Haslam tabs new commissioner of Human Services Department

Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 5:34pm

Staff reports

Tennessee Gov.-elect Bill Haslam Tuesday announced Dr. Raquel Hatter will serve as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

The announcement comes one day after Virginia T. Lodge, who will step down as Human Services Department commissioner, questioned the timing and necessity of a Comptroller of the Treasury’s Division of State Audit preliminary review critical of the department’s handling of a home weatherization program and referenced in a release issued Monday morning.

Hatter served the last three years as the president and CEO of Family & Children’s Service, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of families, children and individuals.

“Dr. Hatter is a passionate expert in her field, and I’m proud that she’ll join our team in the new administration,” Haslam said in a release. “She’s shown a dedication to families and children throughout her life, and Tennessee will be served well with her as commissioner of Human Services.”

Hatter worked for 17 years in Flint, Mich., at the Whaley Children’s Center, where she held several clinical and administrative roles.

3 Comments on this post:

By:drusie on 12/21/10 at 9:16

Why did Gov.-elect Haslam announce Hatter's appointment as commissioner on the heels of the bad publicity about the Comptroller's audit of one of the Department's programs? Coincidence? Seems kind of mean if not.

By:Kosh III on 12/22/10 at 8:58

Perfect timing. Take everyone's attention away from the bad publicity by announcing good news.

By:i.am.a.taxpayer on 12/22/10 at 1:58

Regardless of the timing, Dr. Hatter is an excellent choice for this position. She is highly qualified and diligent.